We had a good role up of members 19 in all with 5 guests Sally Farmer, Marilyn Jennings, Lexi Furner, Lorraine Hamilton and Sharon Miles.
Garth spoke on his appointment as our Area 3 Governor for the next two Rotary years. Area 3 has 12-13 clubs within District 9705. All present congratulated Garth and wished him well. Garth then reminded members that Orange PETS and Club training is on March 31st, April 1st and 2nd in ORANGE. All members are encouraged to attend.
President Paul suggested that we should enter a table of 8 for the trivia night in Coolamon on Saturday 4th March, for Andrew Veigel to raise funds so that Andrew can attend the 2023 World Transplant Games in Perth. Tables of 8 per team will go for $15 per person. More information about the World Transplant Games can be found here. Charity Trivia Night for Andrew Veigel on 0406 899 386 for bookings .
We had a spirited fines session with S@A Garth and Cpl Dick.
Our guest speaker tonight was Leslie Weston and Leslie spoke about her recent visit to The Netherlands, Romania and England. Leslie was on a working trip however was able to take in a few museums and Basset Hounds!
Leslie was able to catch up with her daughter Nikki and over 10 days covered a lot of territory. Starting in the Netherlands visits included the The Hague and the Van Gogh Museum. They got around by walking, using trams, bikes and even by water. They met a very good friend a vet who breeds Basset Hounds, Rudi. They ended up in the South of the Netherlands in a little village that dates back to the 1200s. Here Leslie visited the University of Wageningen.
Leslie then went to Romania where most people speak French or Russian and visited the city of Lasi. Lasi is a university city in Eastern Romania.
Lasi is one hour from the Ukraine border and the church is of great importance in Romania being Russian Orthodox. Romania is a member of the European Union.
Leslie had a lot of problems with luggage at Heathrow in London and took 2 days to get her luggage back and then returned home to Coolamon with a dose of Covid.
A most enjoyable well presented talk, thankyou Leslie.
Here are some photos taken off the slide show last night:
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
Monday 20th February – CRC Board Meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 5 pm.
*Monday 20th February – Guest speaker. Scott Mudd will give a talk titled “From Palate to Pulpit”. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.
*Monday 27th February – Guest speaker. Alicia Carey, mother of Henley Carey, Following Alicia’s talk, we will vote on adoption of the new Constitution and Club Bylaws. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.
Saturday 4th March – 2023 Charity Trivia Night for Andrew Veigel on 0406 899 386 for bookings. to raise funds so that Andrew can attend the 2023 World Transplant Games in Perth. Tables of 8 per team at $15 per person.
Monday March 6th. – Don Dyce will give a talk on his recent trip to Nepal. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm
Saturday March 18th & Sunday March 19th – PETS & D9705 Training Seminar. Merimbula, NSW.
*Monday, 20th March 2023 – The Rotary Foundation talk by Rob Byrnes from RI Sydney. Visiting clubs will be invited to attend. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm
Friday March 31st evening, Saturday April 1st & Sunday April 2nd – PETS & D9705 Club Training Seminar. ORANGE, NSW.
Saturday to Wednesday 27-31 May — Rotary International Convention, Melbourne, Australia
Coolamon Rotarian Garth Perkin has been announced as the incoming Area Governor for D9705 Area 3. Garth’s term of office will begin at the start of the next Rotary year on 1 July.
Be sure to congratulate Garth on this honour the next time you see him.
MEETINGS OF JANUARY 2023
Monday, 23rd January
Tonight was our first meeting back after the Christmas and New Year holidays. President Paul welcomed all of our members. We also held a Board meeting prior to the meeting.
Paul thanked all of our members and the members from the Coolamon Lions who volunteered in one way or another on New Year’s Eve. The raffle generated a healthy profit which will be going to the Rotary Flood Relief NSW Emergency Flood Relief, RAWCS Project #32-2022-23. The name of the fund is Central West & Southern New South Wales Communities Funds Distribution, and aims to distribute donated funds to people affected by the floods in Central West and Southern New South Wales communities..
Daryl Breust reported that the recent charity day for raised $120,000.
Henk Hulsman thanked Bear Brian Pattison for fixing the water pump in our van.
Albert Suidgeest invited members to partake in a working bee to split firewood from trees that were blown down on his property. Albert will donate $1,000 to the club if he gets a good roll-up with wood splitters.
John Bond shared his idea of a Red Faces night for Coolamon and surrounds open to the public. John will form a committee to look at the feasibility of this great idea. So far the following members have put their hands up, Paul W, Scott M, John B and Mary P.
Paul said that he has a number of mossie candles to distribute. These are part of the flood relief RAWCS project for Eugowra and Forbes; many candles were distributed on NYE, but more are left. Paul will bring some to next week’s meeting for those members who want a candle or two. Ways to distribute the remaining candles to the community will be explored.
Bear would like us to issue certificates of appreciation to all the business houses and others who donated prizes for the NYE raffle.
Monday, 30th January
We had a good roll-up of members and one potential new member in Lexi Furner. Bruce Hamilton was chauffeured to Rotary last night by his guest and wife, Lorraine. Bruce had some excuse about having his hand operated on. Great effort by Lorraine and Bruce.
President Paul welcomed our guests and members.
We had a good meeting with plenty of fellowship and some items were discussed:
The CRC telephone book — it was suggested that we will need around 2,500 flyers to go to every household in the shire.
President Paul suggested that we should enter a table of 8 for the trivia night in Coolamon on Saturday 4th March, for Andrew Veigel to raise funds so that Andrew can attend the 2023 World Transplant Games in Perth. Tables of 8 per team will go for $15 per person. More information about the World Transplant Games can be found here.
Lorraine Hamilton advised the meeting that Bernadette Milne was in rehab at the Wagga Base Hospital. Bernadette is doing well since her fall.
Henk Hulsman advised us of the changes to the diary:
Monday 7th February – Leslie Weston will be talking about her recent trip to the Netherlands and Romania.
Monday 20th February – Board Meeting 5.00p
Monday 20th February – Scott Mudd will be giving his talk From Palate to Pulpit.
Monday 27th February – Voting to adoption the new Constitution and Club Bylaws.
Saturday 4th March – Charity Trivia Night for Andrew Veigel on 0406 899 386 for bookings.
John Glassford said that the amended Club Constitution and Bylaws will be sent to all members this week.
We concluded the meeting with a raffle and a quick fines session.
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
*Monday, 6th February – Guest Speaker. Leslie Weston will talk about her recent trip to the Netherlands and Romania. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.
Monday 20th February – CRC Board Meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 5 pm.
*Monday 20th February – Guest speaker. Scott Mudd will give a talk titled “From Palate to Pulpit”. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.
*Monday 27th February – Guest speaker. Alicia Carey, mother of Henley Carey, Following Alicia’s talk, we will vote on adoption of the new Constitution and Club Bylaws. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.
Saturday 4th March – Charity Trivia Night for Andrew Veigel to attend the 2023 World Transplant Games in Perth.
*Monday March 6th – Guest speaker. Don Dyce will give a talk on his recent trip to Nepal. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm
Saturday March 31st to Sunday April 2nd – PETS & D9705 Training Seminar. Orange, NSW.
*Monday, 20th March 2023 – Guest speaker. Rob Byrnes from RI Sydney The Rotary Foundation. Members from neighbouring clubs will be invited to attend. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm
Saturday April 1st & Sunday April 2nd – PETS & D9705 Training Seminar. Merimbula, NSW.
Saturday to Wednesday 27-31 May — Rotary International Convention, Melbourne, Australia
* Partner’s night
JUST FOR LAUGHS
THE PUZZLER
Answer to the last Puzzler:
1) Which country rightfully claims to have invented the Pavlova? A: Not Australia, nor New
Zealand. Oddly enough, it was the USA.
Read the story at this link to learn the full story(based on research by an Aussie and a Kiwi); 2) What is actual title of the classic Christmas poem that begins “’Twas the night before Christmas”? A: A visit from Saint Nicholas; 3)
Who wrote the poem referenced in Question 2? A: Clement Clark Moore; 4) Besides Rudolph, what are the names of the eight reindeer that pull Santa’s sleigh? A: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner (Donder), and Blitzen; 5) In the Aussie version of Jingle Bells, what takes place of the “one-horse open sleigh”? A: A rusty Holden ute; 6) In the 1979 song by Elmo and Patsy, what did Grandma get run over by on Christmas Eve? A: A reindeer; 7) In the song “Winter Wonderland”, who was suggested to marry the lovebirds singing the song? A: Parson Brown; 8) When did King Wenceslas look out over the new fallen snow? A: The Feast of Stephen; Extra credit: What is the calendar date of the event referenced in the song? A: 26 December; 9) What did the three wise men bring as gifts
to Jesus? A: Gold, frankincense, and myrrh; 10) What were the names of the three wise men? A: Gaspar, Balthazar, and Melchior.
This month Puzzler:
Easier one: You walk into a room that contains a match, a kerosene lamp, a candle and a fireplace. What would you light first?
Harder one: You have two ropes that each take an hour to burn, but burn at inconsistent rates. How can you use the ropes to measure 45 minutes? (You can light one or both ropes a time or both ends at the same time.)
ROTARY NEWS
1. PARKES ROTARY CLUB
Join Parkes Rotary Club and District 9705 Governor, Geraldine Rurenga as we launch the video: “Eugowra Stories- heartache and hope”. The screening and launch will take place at a community BBQ at the Eugowra Bowling Club, at 1 pm on Sunday, 5th February.
The video was produced with a grant from Rotary District 9705. It was put together by the team of Robert Shore and Ian Freestone from the Parkes Rotary Club. Members of the Eugowra community were able to tell their stories of survival and the struggles they face as the town rebuilds. Rotary volunteers who have been working at the showground or conducting fund raisers have also been interviewed.
While some of these interviews have already been shown on the Parkes Rotary YouTube channel this video will be a compilation which captures the heartbreak of the flood and the strength and hopes of a community rebuilding.
Eugowra community members, Rotary volunteers and Rotarians are all invited to attend .In the lead up to the festive season, usually a time for celebration and relaxation, Rotarians were instead supporting residents in Eugowra following the flood disaster. Watch the video below to see the work that has been put in by our members to help others. You can also watch the stories of flood victims at the Parkes Rotary Club YouTube channel. Here are the latest from the Parkes You Tube channel:
ARMICUS from the Maasai village of Oloimugi in Kenya near the town of Meru on the slopes of Mount Kenya. We met Armicus in April 2015 after we had climbed Mount Kenya and visited Oloimugi village.
Armicus is a conservationist, cultural ambassador, tour operator, humanitarian, Rotarian and a member of the Rotary Club of Meru, Kenya D9212.
The project aims to engage the local community and other stakeholders in environmental conservation, laying emphasis on river ecosystem protection, restoration, and regeneration of Osinoni Springs which drains into the Isiolo River by planting 5000 tree seedlings.
“What a fantastic night at the 2022 Coolamon NYE Street Party. We were asked by our mates in the Rotary Club of Coolamon to help them out in the catering department and Lions were more than happy to oblige. With Lions cooking the BBQ and the Rotary Club looking after the front of house what could go wrong? Judging by the line-up at the servicing window all night, we are guessing that the crowd enjoyed their “Lions” Sausage or steak sandwich supplied by the Rotary Club. Working together with the Rotarians was great fun mixed with a bit of rivalry and a great way for the members of the Coolamon Lions Club to see in the New Year.
A huge thank you to the sponsors of the Coolamon NYE Street Party, Beyond Bank, Coolamon Rotary Club, Coolamon Foodworks, Ray White Coolamon and Coolamon Shire Council.”
Thanks to lions Coolamon via Dave McCann for the story and the photos published on Facebook today January 1st 2023.
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
Thursday, 19th January 2023 – CRC Board Meeting. 7.00pm at the Coolamon Sport & Rec Club.
Monday, 23rd January 2023 – First Regular Meeting for 2023. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.
Saturday March 18th & Sunday March 19th – PETS & D9705 Training Seminar. Orange, NSW.
Saturday April 1st & Sunday April 2nd – PETS & D9705 Training Seminar. Merimbula, NSW.
Saturday to Wednesday 27-31 May — Rotary International Convention, Melbourne, Australia
Tonight we had several guests namely Ruth Morgan, Lorraine Farrelly and Susan Glassford. President Paul Weston welcomed our guests and our members an excellent role up of 23 members. We did some club business including:
School presentation donations to eight schools in our Shire. Dates of presentations are being sought after.
Lawn bowls players needed.
Christmas Party set for Monday 12th December at the Sports Club, which will be the last meeting for 2022.
Monday January 23rd 2023 first meeting for 2023.
We read out a letter that we received from Andrew Veigel from Coolamon.
Andrew is looking to our club for support in the upcoming World Transplant Games in Perth during April 2023. You can go to Andrew’s official fundraising page below:
PP Albert Suidgeest and President Paul Weston then presented a certificate of thanks to two of the three Coolamon Gardeners for their hard work in having their gardens as part of the Rotary Club’s open garden days. Ruth Morgan and Lorraine Farrelly were our guests and received their certificates from Albert and Paul.
MEETING MONDAY NOVEMBER 21st. 2022
Rotary Club of Coolamon Meeting 21st Nov, 22
At Coolamon S & R Club.
Apology- John Glassford, (Sick)
No guests,
Non apology- Dr. Joe. Probably had a late call out.
Henk Hulsman filled the Secretary’s position due to J.Glassford’s absence.
Secretary- No correspondence to report.
The Rotary Club Bowls team, represented by Paul Weston, Alex Thompson & Puddles Armstrong (Sub) had a good win and collected Meat vouchers for best performed side.
There will be NO bowls this Friday Evening, due to a Country & Western Show on at the Club.
There are two weeks remaining in the Business House Bowls.
Foundation Director- Neil Munro reported that Rob Byrnes ,Dist. Director, may be able to address our Club, when he visits the area in January/Feb..
Project Director– It would be nice to have someone volunteer
Discussion re; NYE and catering arrangements.
Rotary Van will once again provide FREE sausage-in-bread to all kids with wrist bands, on the night. Estimated 400.
Cooking shall take place between 5-30pm & 10 pm.
Have received an e-mail from Dave McCann who indicated that some Lions members are willing to assist us. The can also bring their BBQ Trailer if required.
Laura Munro at Library (Shire Council) said we could borrow Council’s 6 burner BBQ and she could arrange for Council workers to bring to our site & collect at close.
This could be used instead of Lions Trailer?????
If we could get 6 Lions, spread over two shifts9 2&half hrs each shift., it would assist.
NOTE- Lions shall need to understand that we are prepared to go halves in proceeds of food sales, after costs have been deducted, eg; 400 snags for kids & say 150 snags sold at ??. There won’t be a big profit.
Henk will need to approach CWA to access power.
Henk has spoken to Laura Munro in regard to a Raffle. Henk booked the NYE Street Raffle. This will commence at say 7 am on Sat. morning till noon. (We should realise $400. In that time). AND if we sell tickets throughout the evening of NYE, it would be possible to gain a further $600. ( These monies would not be halved with Lions.)
Bear Pattison has offered to obtain prizes. Do we still have a wheelbarrow in reserve? There were two purchased last year. Henk has looked in our shed, but no barrow.
Grahame Mile- Moved that members of our Club write letters (snail mail) to Coolamon Shire Council in regard to the dangerous speed trucks, B- doubles, travel down the shopping centre, Cowabbie St. The reason for this type of mail, is that each letter must be answered separately.
He suggested that speed should be forcibly reduced with a speed bump or possibly a flashing traffic warning sign, in an effort to keep shoppers safe.
He presented a draft letter to provide members with an example.
Members thought it a good idea.
Anne Rzeszkowski (Youth Director) advised that Young Rotary Club are making their Driving Simulator available to Coolamon Central School from Wed. 23rd Nov. 8:15am. Anne and Henk shall attend to assist. Also on Thursday Paul Weston shall attend in the morning & Alex Thompson in the afternoon.
Coolamon Chronicle– John Bond & G. Miles spoke in regard to print jobs completed.
Sally Farmer has requested that she be permitted to complete a printing of Short stories completed by some of Sally’s students.
It was suggested by Henk H. that the job , costing about $80.00 be done gratis for Sally, in recognition of her work as Bulletin editor for our Club and the work she does for her students. 2nd Anne R. carried.
Meeting Closed about 9;00 pm
MEETING MONDAY NOVEMBER 28th. 2022
Things are slowing down for Christmas and of course the current harvest underway locally. We still had 16 members attending and one guest Ann a friend of Anne’s and ours.
President Paul welcomed all and thanked Adrian, Anne, Henk and Albert for their volunteering on the Driver Simulator form Young Rotary Club. Central School had 20 students in attendance and it all went very well.
John Nulty spoke about a recent bad experience with spammers who managed to get $5,000 off him. John acted quickly and was able to get all his money back. Be aware be careful and trust no one!
The meeting approved the idea of giving the NSW Emergency Flood Relief the takings form our NYE raffle in Coolamon. This appeal is a RWACS Project # 32-2022-23 and all donations over $2.00 are tax deductible. The name of the fund is : Central West NSW Communities Relief Funds.
Grahame asked all Coolamon residents to write a letter to Council complaining about the speed of the traffic especially semi-trailers driving through Coolamon. Some ideas Grahame pursued included traffic lights and zebra crossings.
Ian carried out the duties as the stand in S@A and was able at short notice to extract a reasonable amount of cash from all who attended.
The meeting ended early with plenty of good fellowship to be had afterwards.
Next week Susan and John Glassford will present a story on their recent visit to Kenya and Zanzibar featuring our Tracy Ochieng.
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
Monday, 5th December – Speaker Meeting: Kenya and Zanzibar by the Glassfords. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.
*Monday, 12th December – CRC Christmas Dinner (last meeting for 2022). Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm. Cost of dinner $25. Dinner will be a traditional Christmas fare.
Saturday 31st December – Coolamon New Year’s Eve Street Party.
Thursday, 19th January 2023 – CRC Board Meeting. 7.00pm at the Coolamon Sport & Rec Club.
Monday, 23rd January 2023 – First Regular Meeting for 2023. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.
Saturday March 18th & Sunday March 19th – PETS & D9705 Training Seminar. Orange, NSW.
Saturday April 1st & Sunday April 2nd – PETS & D9705 Training Seminar. Merimbula, NSW.
Saturday to Wednesday 27-31 May — Rotary International Convention, Melbourne, Australia
* Partner’s night
JUST FOR LAUGHS
Find the cow!
THE PUZZLER
Answers to the last puzzlers:
Easier one: The letter “m”
Harder one: The old password was “outofdate” and the new one is “different”
This month’s Puzzler
Here are some trivia questions to challenge your knowledge of Christmas and test your memory of lyrics to familiar Christmas songs and carols. See if you can answer them without help from Mr Google. Some are easy but some might be a challenge, but you have a month to work on them. Enjoy!
Which country rightfully claims to have invented the Pavlova?
What is actual title of the classic Christmas poem that begins “’Twas the night before Christmas”?
Who wrote the poem referenced in Question 2?
Besides Rudolph, what are the names of the eight reindeer that pull Santa’s sleigh?
In the Aussie version of Jingle Bells, what takes place of the “one-horse open sleigh”?
In the 1979 song by Elmo and Patsy, what did Grandma get run over by on Christmas Eve?
In the song “Winter Wonderland”, who was suggested to marry the lovebirds singing the song?
When did King Wenceslas look out over the new fallen snow? Extra credit: What is the calendar date of the event referenced in the song?
What did the three wise men bring as gifts to Jesus?
What were the names of the three wise men?
ROTARY NEWS
Rotary Adopt A Tree Christmas Promotion
Rotary Adopt A Tree Christmas Promotion – Adopt a Tree for Christmas for your loved ones
Please distribute the link below as far and wide as possible to help people solve the annual dilemma of what to give their families and friends at Christmas.
The gift of a tree keeps giving and shows that Rotary cares about the Environment.
Adrian Lindner our Environmental Representative for D9705 has asked for us all to adopt a tree for Christmas:
Disease Prevention and Treatment RFHA in South Africa
Rotarian’s for Family Health and AIDS prevention RFHA, is one of the oldest Rotary Action Groups or RAGS. It was known as RFFA or Rotarians For Fighting AIDS when I joined them in 2005 at Chicago. RFFA was founded by Marion Bunch, a Rotarian from Atlanta. Marion invited me to join her board which I served on for nearly 6 years.
Above the Board of RFFA at a meeting in Atlanta in 2007 with current RI Director Patrick Chisanga from Zambia is with the members of RFFA including PRIVP Mike McGovern now Chair of the RI Polio plus committee.
Road MAPS to Africa and our Kili 07 Climb raised $25,000 for RFFA which is how we started looking after vulnerable and at risk children due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic raging through Sub-Saharan Africa. Road MAPS to Africa donated $25,000 to RFFA from the Kili 07 Climb. These funds were responsible for getting over 160 children to school in Kenya and Sierra Leone. Of which one young girl was Tracy.
Here is the latest news from RFHA with their recent Family Health Days in South Africa.
What a brilliant launch event put together by RFHA, Rotarians and partners.
Hosted by Rotary District 9370, the program kicked off with at C Section, KwaMashu Ground 6 & 7, with a focus on bringing health services to the informal settlements and farmworker communities – especially in the flood damaged areas.
Attended by the Deputy Minister of Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, SANAC CEO Dr Thembi Xulu, RFHA Inc CEO Sue Paget, and other officials and partners, the program also served hundreds of people with free health services and counselling.
Tonight’s meeting was attended by Phil McIntosh and David Byfield of Wollundry Rotary Club on behalf of the Gears and Beers event run by their club. This was also a 5th Monday social night!
Scott Mudd introduced his wife Melissa, who attended as a guest. Please come back any time, Melissa!
PP Daryl Breust chaired the meeting in President Paul’s absence and after some general business we had reports from Henk on the result of the recent garden viewing which netted around $5,500. Albert and his committee did a great job despite the weather. Henk also reported on the catering for the bike event in Coolamon on the weekend; thanks go to Alex, Neil and Clare Munro as well as Henk for doing the work.
Albert reported on the garden viewing and requested that the club make a donation to the three non-Rotarian hosts for allowing their gardens to be included in the programme.
Gears and Beers Report by Phil McIntosh and David Byfield
Phil McIntosh gave us a rundown on the event that we helped to run, especially the Dirty 130 ride. Wollundry RC has been running the event for 8 years now and for the first time Phil said that following the March weekend due to Covid, the riders of the March weekend engaged the event through social media. This resulted in the success of the October event. FOMO was an expression Phil used as a result of this social media phenomenon, Fear Of Missing Out.
Phil spoke about the money shots as there were three excellent photos that came out of the October weekend–simply stunning and will be the reason why the 2023 October event will be a sellout. The video that was taken of the riders going through Adrian Lindner’s canola paddock has been viewed 4,700 times to date on Facebook.
Phil waxes lyrical about so many highlights and thanked our club many times for our involvement and hard work put in by Daryl and all the volunteers that weekend. Comments from the riders were enthusiastic, leading Phil to proclaim that it was the best Beers & Gears ever!
Phil and David then presented a cheque to President Paul (who was a late arrival after driving all day from Melbourne) and PP Daryl.
Here are some photos of the several thousand taken during the event from the Gears and Beers Facebook page:
2. MEETING OF OCTOBER 24th
Tonight we had 19 members attend our Club Assembly to discuss New Years Eve 2022.
President Paul gave a short report on the D9705 Conference held at the CSU in Wagga Wagga this past weekend. Paul suggested that we might consider doing an international project for Papua New Guinea given the great need in that country and the fact that PNG is a close neighbour to Australia. John G also attended the DISCON and gave a brief report. There is a pictorial story further on in this bulletin.
Albert gave a report on the garden viewing days and thanked all who volunteered their time especially those who are not members of our club. Despite the weather, the event was quite successful. Thanks to Albert and his committee for doing such a great job. All five gardens were different and beautiful in their own way.
Paul asked for volunteers for the upcoming weekend to man the caravan for the Community Bike Ride at Kindra Park. Albert will drop off the caravan; so far Alex, Henk, Daryl and Neil have offered to man the van.
After other matters were discussed, Paul opened the Club Assembly and called for a discussion on the following motion of recommendation to the CRC Board:
“That the CRC continues to support the Shire Council’s NYE programme as we have done in the past”.
After a good robust debate with speakers for and against the motion, it was decided to make the following recommendation to the board:
“That the CRC continues to support the Shire Council’s NYE programme as we have done in the past subject to receiving support of the Coolamon Lions Club.”
The above motion was passed without dissent.
The evening concluded with a spirited fines session and a raffle with several prizes on offer.
Mystery Bell:
3. MEETING OF OCTOBER 19th
JOINT LIONS AND ROTARY DINNER
Lions President Alan White and the Coolamon Lions were our hosts at this joint meeting of our two clubs. Lions had 23 members and guests and Rotary had 19 members and guests attend the dinner. The pre-dinner fellowship was extended to 0ne hour as Lions meet at 7.30 pm. This was an excellent part of the night.
Lions toasted the King, an old, dying tradition especially as the portrait of the late Queen is still hanging in the dining room. We learned about the Lions credo and their mission as a service club. There was a joint fines session led by S@A Garth Perkin and his loyal Corporal Dick Jennings. Lions put up Dave McCann who was no match for the Rotary team.
Alan thanked Rotary for helping with the recent parking for the Ganmain Show. Alan then introduced Leo de Kroo as the guest speaker and raconteur for the night.
Leo gave a wonderful talk on his life, loves and music. Leo was married to Just Stone for a few years and Leo’s stories of people he has met and worked with over the years was wonderful nostalgia, from playing with his brother as the De Kroo Brothers and meeting up with such luminaries as Col Joy, when his life changed from country music to rock ‘n’ roll after being inspired by Elvis.
Leo was good mates with Johnnie O’ Keefe and appeared on Bandstand and 6 O’Clock Rock. Great memories of JoK calling him at all times of the night and Kamahl which he thought was a joke at the time. Leo then started a sing-along quiz show for members and guests, including songs by Neil Diamond, Marty Roberts, Pat Boone and a tribute to Olivia Newton-John.
Leo had some interesting meetings including one with Neil Sedaka who according to Leo was the best part of the meeting! Leo’s standout guy was John Denver, who was a genuine human being according to Leo.
Leo entertained us with Clancy of the Overflow and finished with The Gambler by Kenny Rodgers. All in all, a good night was had by all.
HOWEVER, THE ROTARY BELL HAS GONE WALKABOUT AGAIN!!!!! We know who the culprit is and we have called in the dog squad to go pay him a visit!!! Even though they have the Mayor, an ex-policeman, and several councillors as Lions, apparently there has been collusion between these gentlemen to lift our bell in a dastardly plan.
We have engaged the “bell squad”, a congress in actual fact, to sort out the theft of our Rotary bell. This is a heavily armed-to-the-teeth squad of a highly trained team of investigators, be warned!!!!
YOU WILL ALL BE FOUND AND HEAVILY FINED!!!!
DIARY
*N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
Monday, 7th November – CRC Annual General Meeting,including election of office bearers for 2023-2024. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.
Thursday 10th November – CRC Board Meeting– Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 7 pm.
Monday, 14th November – Regular Meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.
Monday, 21st November – Regular Meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.
JUST FOR LAUGHS
LIONS GALLERY
THE PUZZLER
Answer to the last puzzlers:
Easier one: You’d get paid one cent since six seconds is 1/600th of an hour (and the hourly rate is $6.00 per hour).
Harder one: 1) ROYGBIV – colours of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet); 2) QWERTY – first six letters in the top row of letters in a standard computer keyboard layout; 3) PRNDL – gears in a typical automatic car transmission (park, reverse, neutral, drive, low); 4) SCUBA – self-contained underwater breathing apparatus; and 5) EGBDF – letters of the musical notes in the lines of the treble clef, from bottom to top. Bonus: SNAFU – situation normal, all fouled up (a US military anagram, although the original version is spicier than that!)
This week’s puzzlers:
Easier one: What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?
Harder one: Leslie had trouble logging into her CSU email account. After trying her password twice without success, she remembered that the passwords are reset every month for security purposes. She called her supervisor and said, “Hey boss, my password is out of date.” Her supervisor replied, “Yes, that’s right. The new password is different. Listen carefully. I am sure you can figure out the new one. The new one has the same number of letters as your old password, but only four of the letters are the same.” With that, Leslie could correctly log into her email account. What are the new and old passwords?
ROTARY NEWS
1. DISTRICT 9705 CONFERENCE REPORT
The District 9705 Conference held at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga on 23-24 October. District Governor Geraldine Rurenga and her team, supported by Eilagh Sheils Rurenga and Chair of the Conference Michael Milston, produced a wonderful and well-organised conference. Here are some photos taken by John G; John regrets that Susan and he missed the dinner dance, which reportedly was a lot of fun.
A full report will be available at some stage in the near future:
2. MESSAGE FROM A KENYAN ROTARIAN
The photo above, from left to right:
Rotary International President Jennifer Jones
Margaret Kimani and PDG Eric Kimani
Vice Chair of The Rotary Foundation, Larry Lunsford
I WORK ALONGSIDE BILL GATES TO IMPROVE OUR WORLD…YOU TOO CAN!
It has been long since I wrote on Facebook and sitting here in Amsterdam on a long lay-over I wish to share an abundant thought…
This week the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged an astounding US $ 1.2 billion towards the eradication of Polio. This has been covered in the media through-out the world and one may read about it in various places;
In the last couple of years, The Gates Foundation has offered Rotarians 1:2 match-for every dollar we Rotarians raise for Polio they would match with two. This will continue this year. I cannot understand why any Rotarian would not donate $10, $100, $1000 or as much as they are able to, so that we can access the match and get this nasty disease out of the way!!
24th October will be World Polio Day.Traditionally, I will sit with my credit card and make a “small” donation to Polio through Rotary www.rotary.org/donate
I challenge as many Rotarians (and non- Rotarians too can donate!) to make a donation and like me boast to work alongside the greats of this world like Bill Gates to eradicate a disease that is threatening our world again!
As I ponder around the subject of giving, my mind takes me back to the events of this previous week at Rotary headquarters in Evanston, Chicago. We sat through “stories” told by many philanthropists who have donated to Rotary between US $250,000 and US $10 million: https://www.rotary.org/en/donate/recognition
It is unfathomable that an older man or woman would shed tears while thanking Rotary for allowing them the opportunity to give away their US $10 million!!! I am a changed man out of these experiences. My “gospel” of abundance is enlarged- “to him whom much is given, much is expected” but I must also add that this also apply “to him whom little is given, little is expected too!”
What is my call to action here?
One need not be a billionaire to stand alongside Bill Gates or any of the greats of the world. We all can play our little part in whatever station we are in life. If you give nothing to nobody, you deny yourself the joy of opening your hands to receive!
My abundant thinking tells me the world has enough for all of us!
Above Fayeh McKenzie gave us this lovely painting that Fayeh did for our cause in Ukraine and we gave it to Jill and Larry Lunsford as a thankyou for being such gracious guests.
The 2022 Rotary Zone 8 Conference is a partnership between Rotaract and Rotary within Zone 8. Rotaract Australia proposed the concept of the combined conference to RI Director and Conference Convener, Jessie Harman. The Conference Committee is Co-Chaired by Rotaractor Andrew Giumelli and Rotarian John McKenzie and comprised of talented Rotaractors and Rotarians from all across the zone. The Conference was formerly known as the Zone Institute.
The Rotary Zone 8 Conference in Canberra over the past 4 days was simply wonderful and generated many moments which will be remembered for a long time. The following photos may just help capture some of those moments. I borrowed three pics from another post by Rob Uhl, thanks Rob. The conference was very well organised and ran smoothly from start to finish. Thanks to everyone who made it happen especially RID Jessie Harman, PDG John McKenzie and Rotaractor Andrew Giumelli. So many people behind the scenes especially my good mate PDG Greg Marlow. Far too many highlights to list in any order.
Above some of the many volunteers that made the day a success.
Just a quick pictorial on the Open Garden Days in Coolamon today being the first of two days the next being next Saturday 22nd October. A full report will appear in next week’s bulletin. Albert Suidgeest and his committee have done a great job and by all accounts a very successful day. Here in a thumb nail gallery are 28 photos from today’s viewing.
Well, it was a wonderful day in Nairobi yesterday I will post more later. Tracy is on my mind this morning in Nairobi. Yesterday was one of those days that makes one very proud to be a Rotarian. Susan and I travelled to Nairobi from Ganmain to witness the graduation of our Tracy. What an amazing journey and my eternal thanks to Rotary and all the Rotarians who supported our Road MAPS to Africa project through Coolamon Rotary my club. Here are some photos that tell the culmination of the story of 11 years sponsoring this young lady. From Mathare to the world of opportunity that now awaits Tracy.
Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom thanking ‘Estimate’ for winning the 2013 Ascot Gold Cup
The painting, by Irish artist Tony O’Connor, is unfinished and has attracted a lot of attention on Facebook. Most comments suggest he leave the painting in its current unfinished state.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 5th
Visit of Griffith Avanti Rotary Club
On Sunday 4th September we hosted the Griffith Avanti RC who were on a “caravan” trip in our area. They visited the June Liquorice and Chocolate Factory and stayed overnight in Junee on Saturday. Six members of our club had lunch with them at the Sports Club and were entertained by Griffith Avanti with a road trip quiz which included questions like when was the hall in Binya opened and so on. This is a very active club which has breakfast meetings and 60% female members. They have also gotten behind our Sunflower Seeds for Ukraine Initiative. One of their main fund-raising activities is recycling vehicle batteries.
Wollundry RC paid us a visit to discuss the upcoming Gears and Beers festival over the October long weekend. PP Phil McIntosh and PP David Byfield were the speakers from Wollundry RC.
President Paul welcomed our two visiting Rotarians and 19 members, which a very good rollup. Paul reported on the very successful ten-pin bowling night in Wagga which took place on the 5th Monday social night. Grahame Miles presented Alex Thompson with the newly instituted perpetual trophy for winning against the 14 members who took part in the bowling.
We had several items for discussion before the talk on this October’s Gears and Beers weekend including:
Notice of the meeting at the Wagga Wagga RC on Thursday 15th to hear form the Deputy Head of Mission from the Ukraine Embassy in Canberra, Mr. Volodymyr Shalkivsky.
Anne and Mary reported on the catering in Ganmain for the SW Hack event.
Flyer on the mango project sent by PDG John Egan on behalf of the RC of Woden Daybreak.
Induction of the Rev. Scott Mudd will take place on Monday 12th.
Dr. Sumera Amir passed on a her sincere thanks for the relief efforts of ShelterBox in the flooded areas of Pakistan.
Albert spoke on the upcoming garden viewing days and advised that there would be a meeting of the committee on 7th September.
Paul thanked Anne for distributing the latest issue of the Coolamon Chronicle.
Marrar Madness roster to assist with manning the gate this Saturday at the Marrar Sports Ground.
Adrian and Wendy are off to Europe.
S@A Garth and his Corporal Dick managed to fine every person attending.
The raffle was won by John G.
GEARS AND BEERS
Phil McIntosh gave a good detailed account of the upcoming Gears & Beers event on Sunday, 2nd of October. We will need plenty of volunteers.
Phil explained that they had to run the March 2022 event this year owing to the disruptions to Gears & Beers due to Covid in 2020 and 2021. Phil said that the March event was totally different to the October events of the past due to the dry hot dusty and sometimes windy condition that weekend. A lot of riders experienced multiple tyre punctures.
The upcoming event has a totally different look due to the generally pleasant conditions and picturesque scenery typical of this time of year in the Riverina. Bookings are down c.f. to March and previous years, but at present there are 1,200-1,300 booked. All accommodation in Wagga Wagga is booked out for the October long weekend.
Phil then described how our club will be involved on the Sunday and PP Daryl Breust is across the event on behalf of CRC. Above all, Wollundry have a brand to protect and reminded us all that we are ambassadors for Gears and Beers.
President Paul thanked Phil and David for the information and for their continued reliance on our club to make this event a success.
President Paul welcomed guests Marilyn Jennings, Sharon Miles, Susan Glassford, Sally Farmer and Scott Mudd along with 19 of our members. Paul thanked the volunteers that manned the gate at the Marrar Madness event on Saturday, which included Brian, Anne, Mary, Albert, Don, Alex and Howard as well Paul. There was a large crowd–over 500 attended–and Brian Pattison believes it will become an annual event.
Daryl flagged that the next meeting he will be calling for volunteers for the fast-approaching Gears and Beers event on Sunday, 2nd October. Daryl also said that on Saturday 24th September we will be baking ANZAC biscuits again for the event; more information will be provided at next Monday’s meeting.
INDUCTION of Rev. Scott Mudd
Tonight was a special night as President Paul inducted the Rev. Scott Mudd into our club. Ian Jennings is Scott’s sponsor and mentor. All our members welcomed Scott in the usual manner and wished him well as a member of our wonderful Rotary club. We are now 30 members strong. Scott is the Anglican priest for our shire and his Rotary classification is Anglican Priest.
(Editor’s note we need to get a portrait of King Charles III).
Auctioneer Dick conducted a spirited auction of two dinners–no need for a microphone when Dick is in full flight!
The members and guests then signed a card congratulating Tracy Ochieng on her graduation (see story in Rotary news below).
Talk by Susan and JohnGlassford from Huff ‘n’ Puff
Tonight Susan and John spoke about the past 19-23 years on starting a new business in Ganmain. John celebrated 19 years as a member of the Coolamon RC and thanked David Benn from Wollundry who introduced JG to Grahame Miles who became JG’s sponsor. The last time we had a talk on straw bale building was in 2003 so it was a good opportunity to see what Huff ‘n’ Puff have done during that time.
Here is a small sample of what has been done during those years.
As usual the meeting ended up with a raffle with two prizes and a very entertaining fines session with S@A Garth and Cpl. Dick.
DIARY
*N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
Monday, 19th September – Regular meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Monday, 26th September – Regular meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Sunday 2nd October – Daylight Saving Starts at 2.00am – clocks go forward one hour.
Sunday 2nd October – Gears and Beers. Roster to be set at upcoming meetings.
Monday 3rd October – NO MEETING (Public Holiday).
Monday, 10th October – Regular meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Sunday, 16th October – Coolamon Garden Viewing.There will be five gardens on display, three on house blocks and two on acreage. Registration will take place at 26 Doubleday Lane. Cost is $15 per adult with children under 16 free.
Saturday 22nd October – Coolamon Garden Viewing. Details as above.
Friday-Sunday 21st-23rd October – District Conference. Joyes Hall, CSU campus, Wagga Wagga (details forthcoming). [NB The district conference will be moving to an October timeslot as of this year, which is why we’re having two district conferences in 2022).
Friday-Sunday 28th-30th October 2022 – Rotary Zone 8 Conference (Canberra).
Monday 7th November CRC Annual General Meeting including election of office bearers for 2023-2024.
BABY PHOTO COMPETITION – WEEK 4
Who is the Rotarian Above? First correct answer gets a free raffle ticket at the next meeting.
Last week’s entry above: Several correct answers in that it was Dick Jennings.
In the previous week Jann Breust correctly answered that the Rotarian above is John Glassford.
JUST FOR LAUGHS
THE PUZZLER
Answer to the last puzzlers:
Easier one: A towel.
Harder one: Silence
This week’s puzzlers:
Easier one: Albert is the brother of Bruce. Bruce is the brother of Craig. Craig is the father of Don. So how is Albert related to Don?
Harder one: I have cities, but no houses. I have mountains, but no trees. I have water, but no fish. What am I?
ROTARY NEWS
1. HONORARY ROTARIANS
Honorary Rotarians.
Section 6 — Honorary Membership. This club may elect honorary members for terms set by the board, who shall:
(a) be exempt from paying dues;
(b) not vote;
(c) not hold any club office;
(d) not hold classifications; and
(e) be entitled to attend all meetings and enjoy all other privileges in the club, but have no rights or privileges in any other club, except to visit without being a Rotarian’s guest.
One famous Honorary Rotarian is King Charles III seen below wearing his Rotary pin. Charles III is an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Banchory-Ternan in District 1010 Scotland. The town of Banchory (pop 7,650 in 2016) lies on the north side of the River Dee some 18 miles west of Aberdeen, Europe’s oil capital.
2. TRACY MONIQUE OCHIENG
This story is coming to an ending and a beginning of the next chapter in Tracy’s life. The Coolamon Rotary Club’s Mountains of the Moon team first met Tracy in the slums of Nairobi, Mathare. That was in November 2011 where the Rotary Club of Nairobi (Chartered 1933) had invited us to a school presentation. This was to thank us for helping with the Orphan Rescue Kits which enabled many children to attend school in Mathare.
Tracy was one of two primary school children from Mathare to make a presentation and PDG Fred Loneragan and John G were very impressed with this young lady. They contacted Tracy through the RC of Nairobi and asked if they could sponsor her through high school. Tracy’s future was very bleak indeed if Tracy could not attend high school. So began a long journey of 11 years. Fred and John funded her education at the Bishop Okoth Secondary School for Girls on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Fred and John then decided to make sure that Tracy went on to college, so they sponsored her to attend the United States International University. Tracy started studying pharmacy but found this was not for her so she switched to journalism and media phycology. Tracy graduates on Saturday September 24th and both Susan and John G will be in Nairobi to witness her graduation.
The vast majority of the funds for Tracy’s education came from the Mountains of The Moon climb in 2011 and the Mount Kenya climb in 2015. These funds for Tracy only represented a small percentage of the $300,000 that Road MAPS to Africa has raised, since 2007, with the three climbs in East Africa and other fund raising activities including donations from many Rotary clubs including Coolamon. Congratulations, Tracy, on reaching this important milestone–we wish you success in the next phase of your life!
SEPTEMBER IS BASIC EDUCATION & LITERACYMONTH
Graphics by Debbie Vance from Canada
ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2022-23
Chartered March 3rd, 1971; Sponsoring Club Narrandera Rotary Club
